"Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it by word and example with a family, a member, neighbor, or the stranger? Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it?" - Marvin J. Ashton

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.

I Know that My Redeemer Lives!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

LDS Hymn #2

This arrangement by Mack Wilberg is amazing (but it does leave a verse out, FYI).

Growing up in the Church, and loving Church History, and attending BYU, this is one of the "over-sung" songs. Granted, in my musical preferences no good or great song can ever be over-sung. It definitely can be sung so much that we sadly neglect so many other great hymns. Yet we sing these ones over and over because they resonate with us, and we love to join together singing it. This particular hymn was written in the very early days of the Church, and sung at the dedication of the first temple built in our dispensation. That was a really big thing, and it has become a standard among the LDS ever since.

Like yesterday's hymn, this must have been so exciting for the composer to write as they watched the Gospel being restored, the Spirit being poured out upon the Saints as they gathered together, sacrificed to build a temple, and started going forth to preach the Gospel. This song's feelings and text continue today as we have seen the number of missionaries increase, temples being built all over the world, continued guidance from the Lord through the Spirit, and the Second Coming even closer than 180 years ago.

This is one of the hymn's I have memorized. (Helps when you sing it all the time since birth!). Lines that I love:

*Angels are coming to visit the earth
*The Lord is extending the Saints' understanding
*The knowledge and power of God are expanding; The veil o'er the earth is beginning to burst
*To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad
*That we through our faith may begin to inherit The visions and blessings and glories of God
*How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion Shall lie down together without any ire
*As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!
*The entire chorus.

This hymn fills me with joy, excitement, and anticipation for what is to come as we build the Kingdom. There is a reason that the first section of this hymnbook are the "Restoration songs." The Gospel is Good News, and that's how we should start out the hymns--good news, the the full truths of the Gospel have been restored again to earth!

Tidbits from "the history book"--which for those interested is Our Latter-Day Hymns: The Stories and the Messages by Karen Lynn Davidson--one of my favorites! (At this point, I pause to read the few paragraphs and then sum up, comment, whatever. It's a work in progress right now--just so you know what is happening here. :-) Always fun for me to see what I have commented on and then what Sister Davidson said!)

When this was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication, it was to the same tune as what we now sing Now Let Us Rejoice (Hymn #3). I remember us singing it to that tune at some point in my life. A Doctrine & Covenants class? Most likely at some point with my Nauvoo semester peoples. Maybe even in the Kirtland temple. But I have sung it, and it goes well. I just love the current tune we sing, which was first published in 1844 for use of missionaries in New England. Some believe it may have been the tune Hosanna, but is not called Assembly. They aren't sure and no one knows it origin. Whatever it is, I know it is heavenly inspired! Because I feel that this is one of those songs that the tune is absolutely perfect with the lyrics. The history book also mentioned 2 verses included in the 1835 hymnal. They have more reference to the Old Testament as well as the washing & anointing ordinances performed in the temple (which ironically, were the only ones that were able to be done in the Kirtland temple).

Also, this hymn is sung at every temple dedication! Because it is so apropos. :-)

Lyrics

1. The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!

The latter-day glory begins to come forth;

The visions and blessings of old are returning,

And angels are coming to visit the earth.

(Chorus]

We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven,

Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!

Let glory to them in the highest be given,

Henceforth and forever, Amen and amen!

2. The Lord is extending the Saints' understanding,

Restoring their judges and all as at first.

The knowledge and power of God are expanding;

The veil o'er the earth is beginning to burst.

3. We'll call in our solemn assemblies in spirit,

To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad,

That we through our faith may begin to inherit

The visions and blessings and glories of God.

4. How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion

Shall lie down together without any ire,

And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion,

As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!

Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835. Sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication in 1836.

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What is this?

This is a blog where I share inspirational/explanatory quotes, pieces of my testimony, and various things/events/experiences that have strengthened and will continue to increase that testimony. I am not officially called of my church to keep this blog. I share these things because they are the core of my very existence. And every part of me wants to proclaim it to all the world. So, I'll start here. I hope all who read my "spiritual ramblings" may know with a surety that I know and believe these things with all of my heart and with complete assurance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more with readers, though I do reserve the right to not discuss or respond to anything inappropriate or that I am not comfortable with.

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